The dangerous hurricane ‘Beryl’ will reach Mexico in the coming hours and make landfall near the beach resort of Tulum. Currently more than 340,000 holidaymakers are staying there – and in some areas the highest warning level is in place.
Shortly before Mexico’s popular Yucatán Peninsula, the dangerous hurricane ‘Beryl’ has regained strength. With sustained wind speeds of 185 kilometers per hour, the hurricane has reached category 3 out of 5, according to the American hurricane center NHC and the Mexican weather service.
Strong winds, heavy rain and dangerous storm surges are expected. The cyclone had already been downgraded to level 2 – before the unexpected turn of events, the Mexican Civil Protection recently assumed that the cyclone would not reach the coast until hurricane force 1.
According to official figures, there are more than 340,000 holidaymakers in Tulum and Cancun, further north. The highest alert level applies to the most risky areas, according to local authorities. The governor of the state of Quintana Roo, Mara Lezama, called on the population and tourists to seek safety.
Several Caribbean islands have been devastated
The first hurricane to form in the Atlantic this year has been devastating several smaller islands in the southeastern Caribbean since early this week. It also caused major damage in Jamaica starting Thursday night, then passed close to the Cayman Islands. At least 10 people were killed: three in Grenada, St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Venezuela, and one in Jamaica.
The strongest Atlantic hurricane ever recorded in July
The cyclone is the strongest Atlantic hurricane ever measured in July, having already reached the highest category 5. Experts say climate change is increasing the likelihood of severe storms.
About 100 flights were canceled before the hurricane’s expected arrival in the Yucatán Peninsula. The international airport in Tulum, as well as schools and archaeological sites, remain closed. Many tourists wanted to stay in the region despite “Beryl,” the governor said. Emergency shelters are available. Larger hotels are setting up their own safety zones for their visitors.
It could hit Texas too
After reaching the peninsula’s eastern coast, the storm is expected to weaken to a tropical storm and move westward over land toward the Gulf of Mexico. According to the NHC, “Beryl” is expected to re-strengthen as a hurricane toward northeastern Mexico and southern Texas this weekend.
When do we start talking about a hurricane?
A hurricane is defined as having sustained winds of 119 kilometers per hour. Category 3 and above are considered major hurricanes. A Category 5 hurricane, with winds of over 252 kilometers per hour, threatens devastating damage. Sustained winds of up to 270 kilometers per hour were measured for “Beryl.”
Hurricanes often gain strength over the sea. They quickly lose strength over land because there is no supply of warm, moist air masses. The hurricane season in the Atlantic Ocean begins on June 1 and ends on November 30.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
